Views on Sigma 55mm-200mm lens?

And will it AF with the 'Nikon D3100, I've been told it will but just want a second opinion before I buy it! Thanks everyone…

Is it a good buy to build my lens kit up? I'm getting it for a cheap price off a friend… What would such a lens be suitable for? I'm a very new beginner in DSLR photography… Thanks

Get the Nikon AFS 50mm-200mm f/4.5.6 at Jessops £99 specal offer on now. Would not touch Tamron or Sigma.

The D3100 has no in-body autofocus motor, so Sigma 55-200 won't autofocus. I don't agree with the answer above suggesting to avoid Sigma or Tamron altogether. Sigma has some good lenses that I've used and they cost much cheaper than Nikkor glass. If you don't mind having to focus manually go for Sigma 70-300 instead. They do have HSM version (built in motor [which will autofocus on your camera]), but it's slightly more expensive than non-motorized version!

I do believe there are two versions of this lens out there. Do make sure you get the HSM version, that version is sure to function with the D3100.

The reason this lens is cheap is because it is cheap. It's of low build quality, and lenses of this type are of low image quality when compared to say the AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR.

I would recommend that you skip this lens as it's of limited use to a photographer, and mainly targeted for consumers to use. You will be much better off saving a little and getting the Nikon 70-300 or the Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro.